Canadians can see a rare 'Strawberry Moon' this week that will give off a reddish glow
It coincides with the summer solstice. ✨🌕
A Strawberry full moon.
Look up! Canadians will soon be treated to a spectacular full moon with a name that couldn't be more fitting for summer.
A "Strawberry" moon will illuminate the sky this week, coinciding with the summer solstice in what will be a rare celestial event.
While it won't be strawberry red, viewers can expect a beautiful full moon that appears larger and more colourful than usual.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, a Strawberry Moon will grace the skies on Friday, June 21.
The moon's name comes from multiple sources, including Indigenous and European, according to the Almanac.
According to Time and Date, the moon's name can be attributed to the ripening of strawberries at this time, which would be gathered by Indigenous tribes.
The Strawberry Moon is an unusual full moon that will be the lowest in many years, according to the Almanac. Its rarity comes from the fact that it comes so soon after the summer solstice, a coincidence that only happens every 20 years or so, according to Time and Date.
It also happens to be directly opposite the sun, according to the Almanac. It rises just as the sun is setting, and sets when the sun rises. At midnight, when the sun is lowest down, the full moon will be at its highest.
Because the moon will occur when the sun is at its highest point (the summer solstice), the moon will be at its lowest, which will make it appear bigger than ever in the sky.
Its low point in the sky also means that instead of a bright white colour, the moon will have an orange, reddish hue and subdued light, the Almanac says, which should make for a unique sight.
When to see the Strawberry Moon
On the evening of June 21, just after sunset, you can look towards the southeast to watch the full moon rise above the horizon.
The moon will reach peak illumination at 9:07 p.m. ET in the Toronto area, according to Time and Date. You can input your city on Time and Date's website to see when the Strawberry Moon will reach peak illumination in your area.
You can also see the strawberry moon on Thursday night, but keep in mind that it will not be quite full.
The weather will impact your ability to see the moon, with clear skies providing optimal conditions, so be sure to check your local weather forecast before heading out.
If you miss out on the Strawberry Moon, don't worry too much — 2024 will have plenty of other full moons to see, including supermoons set to take place in August, September, October and November.